GIFT   OF 


7  $. 


AN>TA  ATSlA  CQ5JRT,  SIERRA  MADRE 

'  CALt^ORNlA 


/' 

^u^^z  rf4*&)<*»* 

y 


The  Qolden  Wedding  "Bells 


Other  Verses 


Copyrighted  1919 


BY 
HENRIETTE  R.    ULRICH 

SANTA   ANITA   C3l/,RT,^;E^R)A   MADR.E 


"  To  The  Jjtng 


£  X 


THE  GOLDEN  WEDDING  BELLS  ..........     7 

His  PATIENCE   ........................    16 

A  PRAYER  ...........  '.  ................   19 

THE  VISION  OF  FAITH  ..................   21 

A  HAPPY  NEW  YEAR  ...................   23 

THE  WEDDING  BELLS  ..................   25 

BUTTERFLY  SONG    .....................   26 

To  OUR  MOTHER  .....................  27 

A  WISH   ................  .............  27 

THE  GIFT-  WATCH   ....................   28 

THE  BABY  ...........................  29 

GOD'S  BLESSING  .......................   30 

THE  GOLDEN  SERVICE  STAR  .............   30 

To  THE  BABY  BOY  .....................  31 

A  LETTER  FROM  CALIFORNIA  ............  32 

THE  MYSTERY  ........................  34 

SIERRA  MADRE  ........................   35 

THE  SHIPWRECK  ......................   37 

416121 


THE  RINGING  OF  THE  GOLDEN 
WEDDING  BELLS 

Hark!  the  wedding  bells  are  ringing, 

Through  the  long  ago. 
See !    They're  starting  down  life's  path- 
way, 

Heart  and  cheek  aglow ! 

Welded  by  one  link  together, 

Circling  ring  of  gold, 
Emblem  of  the  heart's  affection, 

Love's  sweet  story  old. 

Through  the  sunshine  and  the  shadow, 

Up  and  down  the  slopes, 
Over  rough  and  thorny  places, 

Footsteps  winged  by  hopes. 

Side  by  side  the  burdens  bearing, 

Lightening  thus  the  load; 
Side  by  side  the  sorrows  sharing, 

Brightening  thus  the  road. 

7 


Side  by  side  the  pleasures  feeling, 

Doubling  each  one's  share, 
In  the  blessedness  of  having 

Each  the  other  there  ! 

And  when  dark  forebodings  hover, 

And  the  path  looks  drear, 
Brighter  grows  the  gloom,  in  feeling, 

Each,  the  other,  near. 

Though  the  storm-cloud  burst  upon 
them, 

Fear  and  dread  depart, 
For  each  feels  the  strength  and  courage 

Of  the  other's  heart. 

And  the  loving  benediction, 

Daily,  hourly  theirs, 
Of  the  One  who  hears  and  answers 

All  His  children's  prayers. 

Peace  that  passeth  understanding, 

Heart  and  mind  He  fills; 
Though  of  all  petitions,  grants  them, 

Only  what  He  wills. 

And  to  them  He  gives  a  treasure, 

Compass,  guide  and  chart, 
E'en  Himself's  revealed  within  it, 

Secrets  of  His  Heart. 


Better  far  than  gold  the  finest, 

And  than  honey,  sweet; 
'Tis  a  light  unto  their  pathway, 

Lamp  unto  their  feet. 

Well  may  calm  contentment  fill  them, 

For  He's  sweetly  said, 
"No,  I'll  leave  not  nor  forsake  thee, 
As  the  path  you  tread." 

"Naught  can  from  My  love  divide  thee, 

Traveling  day  by  day; 
Grace  and  strength  I'll  give  sufficient, 
All  along  the  way." 

Thus  the  years  go  gliding  past  them, 

Carrying  joys  and  woes, 
Freighted  by  a  loving  Father, 

Every  need  He  knows. 

And  His  gracious  Hand  is  guiding, 

Planning  everything, 
Knowing  this,  through  light  and  shadow 

Grateful  praises  ring! 


Traveling  thus  life's  checkered  pathway, 

Many  a  year  has  rolled, 
Since  by  tiny  link  united, 

Endless  ring  of  gold. 


Shadowy  hands,  these  years,  in  passing, 
Draw  them  still  more  near, 

Stronger  weld  the  link  that  binds  them, 
Heart  to  heart  more  dear ! 

Filling  them  with  deeper  measure 

Of  that  mystic  love, 
Never  seen  by  mortal  vision, 

Born  from  God  above ! 

Emblem  of  the  deep  affection 

Felt  by  Christ  on  high, 
For  His  Church,  to  earth  descended, 

For  her  sake  to  die. 

So  the  desert  sands  slip  past  them, 

Leaving  them  each  day, 
Nearer  to  the  Heavenly  ending 

Of  their  pilgrim  way. 

Half  a  century  spent  together! 

Fifty  mile-stones  passed! 
Hand  in  hand  they  near  the  portal, 

Of  the  joys  that  last. 

Hark!  what  mellow  music  ringing? 

Golden  wedding  bells! 
Older,  sweeter  song  they're  singing, 

Deeper  love  it  tells. 


it 


Golden  wedding  bells,  your  music 
Tune  their  hearts  to  praise ! 

Showing  golden  rays  that  make  them 
Golden  wedding  days ! 


"But  a  span,"  they  say,  when  looking 

Backward  o'er  the  path; 
Sorrows  nearly  all  forgotten, 
Seems  but  joys  it  hath. 

And  the  way  that  seemed  so  winding 

Now  shines  out  the  best, 
That  could  lead  them  safely  homeward 

Toward  eternal  rest. 

Gleams  a  golden  light  upon  it, 

Shines  a  heavenly  ray, 
For  the  just,  his  path  shines  brighter, 

To  the  perfect  day. 

Perfect  day!  whose  golden  glories 

Center  in  the  One, 
Who  their  earthly  path  has  lighted 

With  eternal  sun. 

And  they're  moving  up  so  closely 

To  this  glorious  day, 
That  its  golden  fringe  is  trailing 

O'er  their  pilgrim  way. 


11 


Though  their  earthly  day  is  waning, 

Journey  almost  done, 
Golden  are  the  glories  glowing 

Round  their  setting  sun. 

Shining  locks  all  flecked  with  snowflakes, 

In  this  melting  ray, 
Change  to  crowns  of  glory  o'er  them, 

Found  in  righteous  way. 

Soon  this  desert  pathway  ended, 

O'er  the  golden  sand, 
Golden  in  the  light  that's  shining,  ' 

From  Emmanuel's  Land, 

Golden  Day  will  then  be  breaking, 

Golden  Harvest  in — 
Golden  Gates  will  then  be  opening, 

Golden  Streets  within. 

Golden  Crowns  will  then  be  given, 

Golden  Harps  to  play — 
And  by  faith,  than  gold  more  precious, 

Welcome  is  the  day! 

Hark!  the  golden  bells  are  ringing! 

"Marvel  not,"  they  say, 
"With  these  golden  rays  we  crown  thee, 
Golden  wedding  day!" 


12 


Golden  wedding  bells  are  echoing, 

Through  these  glory  rays, 
And  with  happy  hearts  they're  entering 
"Golden  wedding"  days! 

***** 

Hush,  ye  golden  bells,  ring  softly, 

While  with  loving  hands 
All  these  golden  rays  are  gathered 

Into  golden  strands, 

Which  shall  draw  the  heart  straight 
upward 

To  the  Home  above, 
Where  these  golden  glories  center 

In  the  Father's  love. 

In  whose  presence  fullest  joy  is, 

Pleasures  evermore ! 
E'en  on  earth,  the  heart  can  rest  there, 

Worship  and  adore. 

Precious  faith,  God-given  treasure, 

Makes  this  path  of  gold, 
Following  the  gracious  Shepherd 

Straight  into  the  fold. 

Ring  now,  golden  bells,  more  loudly ! 

While  faith's  golden  rays 
Shine  upon  dark  earth,  creating 

Golden  wedding  days ! 

***** 

13 


Through  the  distance,  as  an  echo, 

Golden  wedding  bells ! 
Wafted  from  yon  courts  of  glory — 

Gracious  message  tells : 

"Wedding  supper  now  is  ready, 

Wedding  garments,  too ; 
Clothed  in  these,  a  royal  welcome 
Is  awaiting  you ! 

"Jesus,  Saviour,  Who  on  earth  once 

Gave  His  life  for  thee, 
Now  to  God's  right  hand  exalted 
Over  all  to  be. 

"God,  the  kingly  feast's  provided, 

For  His  Son  and  Heir; 
He  would  clothe  you  with  salvation, 
Seat  you  with  Him  there !" 

Ring  out,  golden  bells !     Ring  loudly 
Wake  the  sinner's  heart! 

Bid  him  don  the  wedding  garment 
Ere  he  hear,  "Depart!" 


Hark!  again  the  music  ringing, 

Golden  wedding  bells ! 
Last  and  sweetest  song  they're  singing, 

Deepest  love  it  tells. 


14 


Bids  the  heart  behold  a  vision, 

While  the  chorus  rings ! 
Form  a  harp  from  rays  of  glory ! 

Play  its  golden  strings ! 

Lo !  the  mystic  marriage  union, 

Of  a  Stranger  fair, 
Brought  from  depths  of  earth  to  heaven, 

All  with  Christ  to  share. 

As  the  pearl  on  opal  sea-shell 

That's  diseased  appears, 
'Tis  a  groaning,  spoiled  creation, 

Christ  this  treasure  bears. 

Valueless  it  seemed,  He  took  it, 
Cleansed  it  with  His  blood, 

Made  it  thus  to  shine  resplendent, 
Bathed  in  glory  flood ! 

Christ,  this  spotless  Pearl  is  taking 

To  Himself,  His  Bride, 
She  to  grace  those  courts  of  glory, 

Ever  at  His  side ! 

Ring  on,  golden  bells,  forever! 

Sound  your  joyful  lay 
Through  this  long,  eternal,  glorious, 

Golden  Wedding  Day! 


15 


HIS  PATIENCE 


With  what  wondrous  loving  patience 

Hath  our  ever-gracious  Lord 
Wrought  with  us  through  all  our  life-time,. 

Ever  be  His  Name  adored! 

Showing  us  His  great  salvation, 
Giving  us  His  peace  to  know, 

Shedding  forth  His  love  within  us, 
Heavenly  joy,  while  here  below. 

Teaching  us  with  patience,  daily, 

Though  we  oft  prove  dull  and  slow, 

Wondrous  lessons,  all  concentered 
In  one  theme — Himself  to  know. 

Bidding  us  learn  this  beside  Him, 
E'en  beneath  His  yoke  to  tread; 

Learn  His  heart  so  meek  and  lowly, 
Find  our  rest  in  being  led. 

Proving  in  this  blessed  union, 

Easy  is  His  yoke,  and  light 
Is  His  burden,  for  He  beareth 

All  with  His  eternal  might. 

16 


Learn  we  here  the  world's  ambition, 

Haughtiness  of  human  pride, 
Climbing  heights  to  earthly  glory, 

Toiling  up — unsatisfied? 

No  !  it  is  through  low-land  meadows 
That  our  Shepherd  leads  His  sheep, 

Into  pastures  green  and  restful, 
And  beside  still  waters  deep. 

And  with  patience  oft  He  lingers 
While  they  try  their  thirst  to  slake, 

At  this  world's  poor,  broken  cisterns, 
Tarrying  there  their  rest  to  take. 

And  when  throats  are  parched  and  burning, 
They  have  fled  to  Him  for  ease, 

Finding  Him  the  Living  Fountain 

Where  they  may  their  thirst  appease. 

Thus  with  patience  hath  He  led  us, 

Marking  for  us,  day  by  day, 
Just  the  paths  He'd  have  us  follow, 
All  along  our  pilgrim  way. 

Guiding  us  through  sun  and  shadow, 
Guarding  us  through  storm  and  gloom; 

Cheering  us  when  worn  and  weary, 
Till  the  Golden  City  loom, 

17 


And  He  lead  us  through  the  portals 
To  His  glorious  Heavenly  Home, 

There  to  be  forever  with  Him, 
Never  more  from  Him  to  roam. 


Then,  throughout  th'  eternal  ages 
We'll  adore  His  precious  Name, 

Thank  Him  for  His  wondrous  Patience, 
While  His  praises  we  proclaim ! 


is 


A  PRAYER 

Sympathy 

O  Blessed  Lord,  we  would  confess  to  Thee 
What  cold  indifference  in  our  hearts  we 

see, 
When  warmest  sympathy  to  Thee  should 

flow, 
For  all  the  sorrows  of  Thy  life  below. 

Appreciation 

And  when  we  see  those  waves  and  billows 

roll, 
God's  mighty  wrath  for  sin  submerge  Thy 

soul 
In    darkest    depths    for    us — those    bitter 

hours — 
What  deep  appreciation  should  be  ours! 

Gratitude 

Could  we   conceive   that   glorious   Home 

above, 

The  Father  planned — -so  infinite  His  love ! 
That  we,  but  worms  of  earth,  with  Him 

should  dwell, 
With  deepest  gratitude  our  hearts  should 

swell. 

19 


Love 

Oh,  may  we  feel  all  this  in  hearts  so  dull, 
That  wondrous  love  may  fill  us  to  the  full, 
And,  overflowing,  seek  its  source  above, 
To  satisfy  the  yearnings  of  Thy  love. 

Worship 

And  on  its  crest  this  stream  of  Love  shall 

bear 

An  alabaster  box  of  ointment  rare, 
Adoring  worship — Lord,  it  is  Thy  meet — 
Poured  from  our  hearts  upon  Thy  pierc-ed 

feet! 

And  as  this  odor  soft  refreshes  Thee, 
A  grateful  smile  upon  Thy  face  we  see, 
Oh,   may  we   heed  Thy  lips'   permission 

sweet, 
To  tarry  ever  at  Thy  blessed  feet. 

While  Thou  art  resting  from  Thy  toil  of 

love, 

At  God's  right  hand,  in  majesty  above, 
Enjoying  there  that  feast  without  alloy, 
The  Father's  grateful  love,  Thy  deepest 

joy! 


20 


THE  VISION  OF  FAITH 


(TUNE:     "Looking  This  Way"} 
I 

Oh,  for  the  faith  this  vision  to  see, 
Jesus  the  Savior  dying  for  thee ! 
There  on  the  cross  He  suffers  alone, 
All  for  thee,  sinner,  thus  to  atone. 

CHORUS: 

Dying  for  thee,  yes,  dying  for  thee, 
Jesus  the  Savior  dying  for  thee. 
Veiled  are  the  skies,  earth  trembles  to 

see, 
Jesus  the  Savior  dying  for  thee. 

II 

Finished  the  work  on  Calvary's  tree. 
God  can  have  mercy,  sinner,  on  thee. 
Flee  to  Him  now,  ye  weary  and  sad, 
Rest  shall  be  thine,  He  maketh  thee  glad. 

CHORUS: 

"Come  unto  me,  yes,  come  unto  me," 
Jesus  in  mercy  calleth  to  thee. 
Outstretched  His  arms,  in  pity  to  thee, 
Jesus  is  calling,  "Come  unto  me." 

21 


Ill 

Now  in  the  glory,  Jesus  above, 
Showers  upon  thee  pity  and  love. 
Wilt  thou  accept  Him?    Come!  we  im- 
plore. 
He  will  receive  thee — His  evermore. 

CHORUS: 

Longing  for  thee,  yes,  longing  for  thee ; 
Jesus  the  Savior  longing  for  thee. 
Lovingly  waiting — oh,   canst  thou   not 

see, 
Jesus  in  glory,  longing  for  thee? 

IV 

Soon  with  a  shout  He'll  come  to  receive 
With  Him  in  glory,  all  who  believe. 
Wilt  thou  accept  this  Savior  as  thine  ? — 
Joyfully  singing,  "Jesus  is  mine!" 

CHORUS: 

Coming  for  thee,  yes,  coming  for  thee; 
Jesus  from  Glory,  coming  for  thee ! 
With  Him  and  like  Him  ever  to  be — 
Jesus  Himself  is  coming  for  thee ! 


22 


A  HAPPY  NEW  YEAR 

The  New  Year  lies  spread  out  before  thee, 
A  page  all  unwritten  and  white, 

And  Father  Time's  seated  before  it, 
His  pen  in  hand,  ready  to  write. 

Are  you  anxiously  scanning  his  counute- 
nance, 

To  see  whether  pleasure  or  pain 
Is  filing  his  mind  while  preparing, 

His  task  to  resume  once  again? 

Do  you  think  of  the  years  that  are  finished, 
All  written  with  sorrow  and  blood, 

All  blotted  with  tears  and  heart-anguish, 
Which  have  deluged  the  earth  like  a 
flood? 

Oh,  tremble  not,  dear,  but  remember, 
There's  One  above,  guiding  Time's  pen, 

Who  possesses  omnipotent  wisdom, 
Over-ruling  the  kingdoms  of  men. 

The  heavens  came  forth  at  His  bidding, 
Our  earth  slipped  in  place  at  His  call; 

The  nations  as  dust  in  the  balance, 

With  the  weight  of  His  word,  rise  and 
fall. 


23 


But  though  He  the  firmament  builded, 
And  worlds  circle  round  at  His  will, 

Not  a  sparrow  can  fall,  but  He  knoweth — 
Art  not  thou  much  more  valuable  still? 

For  the  hairs  of  thy  head  He  hath  num- 
bered, 

He  knoweth  all  things  that  you  need. 
He  loved  thee  and  gave  Himself  for  thee ; 

He  shall  withhold  nothing  indeed ! 

Underneath  are  His  Arms  everlasting, 
Upholding  and  working  thy  good; 

While  enthroned,  and  the  Universe  ruling, 
Daily  thinks  of  thy  clothing  and  food. 

On  the  Hand  that  Time's  pen  gently 
guideth, 

The  print  of  the  nail  thou  canst  see, 
And  thy  name  on  the  Palm  is  engraven — 

Can  It  write  aught  but  blessing  for  thee  ? 

Then  tremble  not,  dear,  for  the  morrow ; 

Let  peace  fill  thy  heart,  and  not  fear. 
Rest  assured  that  whate'er  His  love 
planneth, 

Shall  for  thee  be  a  Happy  New  Year ! 


24 


THE   WEDDING    BELLS 

(TUNE:    "Hold  the  Fort") 

Hark !  the  wedding  bells  are  ringing, 

Joyful  tidings  flow! 

Life's  bright  pathway  now  they're  en- 
tering, 

Heart  and  cheek  aglow. 
Welded  by  one  link  together, 

Circling  ring  of  gold, 
Emblem  of  the  heart's  affection, 

Love's  sweet  story  old. 

Hark !  the  wedding  bells  are  singing, 

"May  our  God  above 
Shine  on  you  in  richest  blessing 

Through  His  heart  of  love, 
Filling  you  with  joy  and  gladness, 

All  your  happy  days, 
And  may  you  reflect  the  brightness 

Of  His  loving  rays." 


25 


BUTTERFLY  SONG 

Tune— "Tell  It  Again." 

Butterfly-bows,  Little  Girlie  to  wear, 
Catching  together  your  soft,  sunny  hair, 
Whispering  tenderly  into  your  ear — 
"Many  glad  birthdays  we  wish  you,  my 

dear." 

"We  have  come  fluttering  down  unto  you, 
Over  the  mountains  and  valleys  we  flew, 
Sent  to  remind  you  of  wonderful  things" — 
Listen  to  each  while  his  message  he  sings ! 

"I  am  as  blue  as  the  bright  sky  above, 
Where  God  is  watching  in  tenderest  love 
O'er  little  girlie,  in  study  or  play, 
Guarding  and  guiding  her  over  life's  way." 
"Shining  and  white  are  my  wings,  as  you 

see, 
Like  all  our  dear  ones  who've  flown  up 

to  be 

Ever  with  Jesus — He's  keeping  them  there 
Till  the  glad  moment  we'll  meet  in  the 


air." 


26 


TO  OUR  MOTHER 

Gather  all  the  buds  and  blossoms 

Which  along  our  path  have  blown, 
Words  and  deeds  of  loving  kindness, 

Seeds  a  tender  hand  has  sown; 
Reaching  far  back  in  the  distance 

Till  the  memory's  lost  in  haze, 
All  along  until  the  present 

Painful  parting  of  the  ways; 
Weave  them  all  into  a  garland, 

While  our  hearts  in  sorrow  bow, 
And  with  loving  hands  we'll  place  it 

On  our  Mother's  gentle  brow. 


A  WISH 

May  pleasures  encircle  your  pathway, 

As  ripples  the  dip  of  the  oar, 
And  tenderly  smoothe  away  sorrow 

As  wavelets  the  sand  of  the  shore. 
May  the  blessing  of  God  'round  about  you, 

Shine  like  the  light  from  above; 
May  He  guide  you  through  sunshine  and 
shadow, 

And  guard  with  His  infinite  love. 

27 


THE  GIFT-WATCH 

This  token  of  affection  true, 
Your  grateful  class  presents  to  you, 
With  an  earnest  prayer  that  God  will  shed 
His  richest  blessings  on  your  head — 
God's  richest  blessings  on  your  head. 

'Tis  a  tiny  servant,  who  works  and  sings; 
Through  the  busy  day  its  sweet  voice  rings : 
"Tick-tick,  tick-tick.  Your  strength  shall 

be, 

The  love  of  Christ  constraineth  thee" — 
uThe  love  of  Christ  constraineth  me." 

And  when  night  comes  forth  in  dark  array, 
Where  dangers  lurk — hear  it  softly  say : 
"Tick-tick,  tick-tick.    He'll  guard  and  keep 
Who  giveth  His  beloved  sleep" — 
"He  giveth  His  beloved  sleep." 

Through  days  that  are  weary  and  nights 

that  are  long, 

'Twill  give  you  fresh  courage,  this  comfort- 
ing song — 

"Tick-tick,  tick-tick.    As  time  rolls  by, 
The  coming  of  the  Lord  draws  nigh" — 
"The  coming  of  the  Lord  draws  nigh." 

28 


THE  BABY 

Tiny  little  rosebud  treasure, 

Wondrous  blessing,  dear, 
Sent  to  you  from  God  in  Heaven, 

With  this  message  clear: 

"Take  this  child  and  nurse  it  for  Me, 

Wages  will  I  give; 
Joy  and  comfort  shall  reward  you 

Every  day  you  live. 

"For  enfolded  in  this  rosebud, 

'Midst  the  petals  sweet, 
Grace  and  beauty  you'll  discover 

In  this  cool  retreat. 

"And  the  opening  will  give  you 

Endless  joy  untold, 
While  you  watch  with  keenest  interest, 

Every  leaf  unfold. 

"In  the  center,  priceless  jewel 

Lies  enfolded  deep; 
'Tis  thy  tiny  heart,  thou  dear  one, 

/  would  always  keep." 


29 


GOD'S  BLESSING 

May  the  blessing  of  God,  like  a  halo  of 

light, 

Encircle  thee  ever  by  day  and  by  night. 
May  He  guard  with  His  infinite  love 
And  guide  thee  in  safety  through  sun- 
shine and  storm, 

Enable  thee  daily  each  task  to  perform, 
Strengthened  with  might  from  above. 


THE  GOLDEN  SERVICE  STAR 

The  light  is  gone,  for  lo,  our  hero  falls — 

His  life  departs, 
And  darkness  as  of  midnight  skies  enthralls 

Our  sorrowing  hearts. 
But,  see !  a  gleaming  golden  star  appears ! 
Reflects    a    rainbow   through   our   falling 

tears, 

And  sheds  the  rays  of  light  o'er  coming 
years — 

His  Faith  imparts ! 

30 


TO  THE  BABY  BOY 


Here's  to  the  tiny  Baby  Boy — 
Long  life  and  health,  and  every  joy ! 
May  he  live  to  return  in  part 
The  loving  care  of  each  kind  heart 
That   tenderly  bends   o'er   his   cradled 

form 

To  shield  him  from  every  baby  storm. 
Or,  better  still,  may  he  day  by  day, 
By  his  loving  words  and  gentle  way, 
Be  in  the  home  like  a  sunbeam  fair, 
And  so  return  their  tender  care. 
But,  best  of  ally  may  he  early  hear 
The  gentle  call  of  his  Savior  dear : 
'Tis  thy  heart,  my  son,  that  I  crave  as 


mine." 


May   he    softly   whisper:     "Lord,    'tis 
Thine." 


A  LETTER  FROM  CALIFORNIA 


MOTHER  NATURE  IN  CALIFORNIA  TO  HER 
CHILDREN  IN  THE  EAST 

Dearest  Children: 

I  am  writing 

Just  to  tell  the  reasons  true, 
Why  my  sun-kissed  California 

Is  the  place  for  all  of  you. 

If  you  knew  our  fruitful  Southlands, 
With  their  tempting  gardens  fair, 

Beckoning  you  with  waving  palm-trees, 
You  would  never  linger  there. 

'Tis  a  land  whose  golden  glories 
Seem  reflected  from  above; 

Down  each  golden  sunbeam  wire 
Angels  murmur,  "God  is  Love." 

Golden  sunshine  paves  the  highways, 

Golden  flowers  fleck  the  fields ; 
Through  the  leaves  peep  golden  fruit- 
balls, 

While    their    bloom    sweet    incense 
yields. 

When  the  heated  hand  of  Summer 
Presses  on  your  feverish  brain, 

And  the  storm-cloud  hurls  upon  you 
Lightning,  thunder,  wind,  and  rain, 

32 


Here  Old  Ocean  fans  my  children 
With  his  misty,  cooling  breeze; 

Bids  them  plunge  beneath  his  billows, 
Pace  his  golden  strand  at  ease. 

When  the  snowy  hand  of  Winter 

Holds  you  in  his  icy  grip, 
Bares  with  frosty  breath  the  woodlands, 

Rudely  stoops  the  trees  to  strip, 

Here  my  children  nestle  warmly 
On  my  lap,  the  slopes  so  green, 

While  I  bathe  them  in  the  rain-drops, 
Or  in  sunshine's  golden  sheen. 

If  perchance  there  comes  a  longing 
For  a  taste  of  cold  and  snow, 

On  the  mountain-tops  you'll  find  it, 
While  the  orange  blooms  below. 

Lovely  Heaven-kissed  California, 

Mountains,  valleys,  ocean  blue, 

All  unite  to  send  this  message 

From — 

YOUR  MOTHER  TRUE. 
t\ 

P.  S. — O'er  the  sea  a  golden  pathway, 
Leading  from  the  setting  sun, 

Enters  through  our  Golden  Gateway 
Into  rest  when  work  is  done. 


33 


THE  MYSTERY 

In  France 

Oh,  was  it  a  dream  that  I  heard  him, 
Felt  him  here,  close  by  my  side — 

So  close  that  he  touched  my  cheek  softly, 
And  was  off  in  the  darkness  to  hide? 

Ah,  then,  how  I  longed  to  embrace  him, 
And  stretched   forth  my  arms,   but  in 

vain; 
Though  I  heard  his  sweet  voice — oh,  so 

near  me — 
And  ever  again  this  refrain: 

"  'Tis  only  to  show  you  I'm  here,  dear — 
Here  keeping  watch  while  you  sleep." 

Thus  sang  he  so  soft  and  so  gently, 

The  thought  of  it  now  makes  me  weep ! 

Oh,  where  is  he  now?     'Tis  bright  morn- 
ing! 

In  vain  do  I  search  for  and  call, 
'Neath  the   flowing  white   net  which   en- 
velops 
My  couch  with  its  canopy  tall. 

On  soft  wings  did  he  enter  my  chamber, 
And  through  filmy  drapery  fly? 

I  know  not,  nor  where  he  has  vanished — 
This  Mosquito,  so  cunning  and  sly ! 

34 


SIERRA  MADRE 

An  Allegory 


I 
In  our  southern  sunset's  splendor, 

Clad  in  robes  of  purple  lights, 
Sits  enthroned  a  kingly  Mountain, 

Circled  by  his  noble  knights. 

Ruling  o'er  the  azure  distance, 

Gardens  sloping  to  the  sea ; 
Luring  from  the  clouds  the  rain-drops, 

Pouring  them  on  vine  and  tree. 

From  his  hand,  the  Valley  drinking, 

Blushes  into  blossoms  fair, 
Bids  her  birds  sing  glad  thanksgivings, 

Loves  him  for  his  tender  care. 

Thus  he  wooes  and  wins  the  Valley, 
Radiant  in  her  emerald  sheen, 

Bridal  veil  of  mist  flings  o'er  her, 
With  a  rainbow  crowns  her  Queen. 

II 

Nestling  'twist  this  Mount  and  Valley, 

Smiles  an  Infant  City  fair, 
Basking  in  the  Southland  sunshine, 

Bathed  in  balmy  scented  air. 

35 


Cradled  in  a  bed  of  blossoms, 
Grassy  greens  and  flowers  sweet, 

'Neath  the  waving  palms  and  fruit  trees,. 
Glistening  with  their  golden  meat. 

And  the  Valley  Queen  rejoices, 
Kingly  Mountain  smiles  above, 

As  their  arms  enfold  their  treasure, 
Guard  this  object  of  their  love. 

Gazing  off  into  the  future, 
Tiny  bud  to  blossom  blown, 

Golden  fruit  shall  shower  on  them, 
Who  have  seeds  of  kindness  sown. 


THE  SHIPWRECK 


(An  incident  of  the  wreck  which  oc- 
curred when  the  steamer  "Monroe"  was 
accidentally  run  into  and  sunk  by  the  "Nan- 
tucket"  off  the  coast  of  Virginia,  January 
31,  1914.) 


Reader,  ere  the  curtain  rises 
O'er  this  awful  scene  at  sea, 

Bid  thy  heart  be  warm  and  tender, 
Filled  with  love  and  sympathy. 

See  the  sorrowing  circle  gathered 
To  receive  their  lonely  one, 

From  his  battle  with  the  billows — 
Mortal  combat  almost  won. 

Place  thyself  among  these  dear  ones, 
As  is  first  portrayed  the  scene 

By  our  hero,  stunned  and  broken, 
While  they  list  with  interest  keen. 


37 


Scene  I — His  Story 

Through  the  waves  our  ship  was  plow- 
ing, 

Dark  and  drear  had  been  the  day, 
And  the  moaning  wind  had  left  us, 

Loath  to  waft  us  on  our  way. 


Veiled  the  sun's  sad  face  in  setting, 
No  bright  rosy-hued  farewell; 

O'er  the  sky  spread  gloom  and  darkness, 
Moon  nor  stars  could  break  the  spell. 

E'en  the  cold  fog  bending  o'er  us 
Leaves  the  tear-drops  on  our  deck. 

Cruel  is  she,  yet  she's  weeping 
O'er  the  victim  of  her  wreck. 


As  she  flings  her  flowing  garments, 
Gruesome  pall,  about  our  boat, 

Muffling  e'en  the  shrieking  signals. 
Danger-calls  to  all  afloat. 

Thus  we  glided  through  the  darkness; 

Gloomy  hours  went  slowly  past. 
But  to  leave  our  ship  enshrouded 

In  this  winding-sheet  so  vast. 


In  our  hearts  a  deep  foreboding 
Drove  afar  all  thought  of  sleep, 

While  we  rocked  upon  the  billows 
Of  the  dark  and  troubled  deep. 

On  we  went  through  mist  and  darkness. 
Longing  that  the  light  of  morn 

Send  the  sun's  warm  rays  to  seek  us. 
And  this  mist  away  be  torn. 

And  these  tear-drops  change  to  jewels. 
In  the  radiant  morning  light, 

Sparkling  with  a  happy  lustre 
As  the  dew  on  grasses  bright. 

But  the  cruel  lagging  moments 
Held  us  still  in  arms  of  night, 

When  we  heard  a  sound  approaching. 
Saw  a  sudden  gleam  of  light. 

Oh,  the  terrors  of  that  moment, 
As  our  Captain  veered  about, 

Wildly  shrieked  the  danger  signals. 
Frantic,  shrill,  in  nervous  doubt. 


Swift  and  heedless  came  the  monster. 
Deaf  to  every  shrill  appeal, 

Plunged  itself  into  our  vitals. 

Groaning,  creaking,  grinding  keel. 


Fairly  cleaving  us  amidships, 
Then  retreated,  would  not  see 

Its  poor  victim  quivering,  writhing, 
In  its  dying  agony. 

Oh,  the  shock  of  that  concussion, 
Hurling  all  from  berth  and  bed! 

For  an  instant  tense  the  silence — 

Breathless,  speechless,  mortal  dread! 

Then  the  groans  of  pain  and  terror, 

Agonizing  cries  for  aid 
Rose  in  mighty  prayer  to  Heaven, 

Through  the  darkness,  blacker  made. 

One  there  was  that  pierced  my  heart's 

core, 
Roused  me,   nerved  me,   strength   it 

gave. 

Where  was  she — my  life's  dear  partner, 
She  I'd  give  my  life  to  save? 

In  the  darkness  soon  I  found  her, 
Guided  by  her  moaning  cry, 

But  she  writhed  away  in  anguish — 
"Do  not  touch  me!     Let  me  die!" 

Her  poor  arm  was  hanging,  broken, 

Every  move  was  agony. 
'But,  my  Margaret,  I  must  save  you  ! 

Oh,  be  brave  and  let  me  try!" 

4i 


With  a  lurch  the  vessel  settled, 

O'er  the  deck  rolled  one  black  wave. 

Slowly  then  it  sank,  huge  coffin, 
Lowered  to  its  watery  grave. 

Then  'twas  gone,  forever  buried, 
With  its  score  of  lives  beside, 

Leaving  some  upon  the  surface 
Battling  with  the  angry  tide. 

As  we  felt  the  cruel  water 

Fold  us  in  its  icy  grasp, 
Close  I  held  my  fainting  darling 

In  my  arms  thus  firmly  clasped. 

But  the  pain  was — oh,  so  dreadful, 
Of  her  helpless  broken  limb, 

That  she  prayed  to  let  her  die  thus, 
As  I  could  not  hold  and  swim. 

Quickly  coiling  her  long  tresses 
Round  her  head,  I  firmly  pressed 

With  my  teeth,  thus  held  her  to  me, 
With  her  head  upon  my  breast. 

Thus  we  floated  on  the  billows, 

Strength  and  courage  almost  gone, 

Hoping,  fearing,  suffering,  praying, 
Longing  for  the  break  of  dawn. 


41 


Sadden  joy!    A  lifeboat  neared  us, 
But  we  called  and  shrieked  in  vain, 

For  they  neither  saw  nor  heard  us, 
And  soon  left  us  in  our  pain. 

Oh,  the  suffering  of  those  moments. 

Lengthened  into  hours  there. 
Battling  with  the  cold  black  waters, 

Trembling  thus  'twixt  hope  and  fear. 

Then  a  rescue  boat  approached  us, 

As  my  burden  came  to  view, 
"Let  her  go !    She's  dead !"  they  shouted. 
"We  will  take  in  only  you !" 

"She  is  living !    You  must  take  her. 
Or  a  murderer's  hell  you'll  see !" 
Then  they  lifted  us  to  safety, 
Gently  taking  her  from  me. 

And  her  eyes  she  slowly  opened, 
Smiling  sweetly  in  my  face. 

Thus  they  bore  away  my  dear  one, 
Bid  me  bide  another  place. 

Then  a  mist  came  o'er  my  vision. 
For  the  horrors  in  my  brain 

Blotted  out  all  other  objects. 

Hours  were  passed  in  restless  pain. 


When  at  last  my  eyes  I  opened, 

As  I  lay  there,  all  alone, 
And  the  awful  scene  came  o'er  me, 

Where  is  she,  my  Margaret,  gone  ? 

Rushing  madly  through  the  cabins, 
Searching  for  her,  heeding  naught, 

Till  at  last  I  found  her  lying. 
Sweetly  sleeping,  as  I  thought. 

As  I  fondly  bent  above  her. 

Lightly  kissed  her  marble  brow, 

Icy  was  die  shock  that  thrilled  me ! 
Death  had  claimed  her  even  now ! 
*     *     *     *     * 

Draw  the  curtain  o'er  such  sorrow, 
,ve  him  with  his  friends  alone. 
Only  God  can  soothe  and  comfort. 
Heal  this  broken-hearted  one. 

Scene  II 

While  with  aching  hearts  we  ponder 
O'er  these  scenes,  so  sadly  true, 

O'er  the  many  scenes  of  anguish 
Brought  so  constantly  to  view, 

To  our  spirit  comes  a  longing 

Mysteries  of  life  to  know. 
Is  there  none  to  solve  the  problem. 

Delve  these  depths  of  human  woe? 


Hush,  sad  spirit.    See  the  curtain 
Lifting  by  God's  hands  for  you, 

And  behold,  another  shipwreck, 
Vast,  stupendous,  brought  to  view. 

Tis  our  earth,  which,  like  this  vessel, 
Speeding  swiftly  on  through  space. 

Made  and  launched  by  the  Creator, 
His  vast  universe  to  grace. 

Rolling  swiftly  round  its  circle, 
Through  the  ocean  of  the  air, 

Gladdening  God's  heart  in  viewing, 
Pure  and  spotless,  bright  and  fair. 

Lo !  there  lurks  a  monster  demon, 

Iron  keel  of  sin  and  shame, 
Plunged  itself  into  the  vitals. 

Wrecked  and  shattered  Earth's  fair 
name! 

Oh,  the  horrors  of  that  contact 
On  through  ages  have  endured. 

Floods  of  sorrow,  death  and  weeping, 
Sickness,  suffering,  naught  has  cured. 

See,  'tis  sinking,  this  huge  coffin, 
Carrying  with  it  souls  of  men ! 

Bury  them  in  floods  of  darkness, 
Joy  nor  hope  to  feel  again  ! 


44 


But  despair  not.     One  is  with  them, 
On  this  shattered  sinking  wreck, 

Mighty  is  He,  strong  to  save  them, 
Ere  the  waves  roll  o'er  the  deck. 

"Only  trust  me."    Hear  Him  pleading. 

"Place  thy  head  upon  my  breast. 
Let  me  take  thee  home  to  Glory, 
Riding  safe  the  billow's  crest." 

"I  have  borne  thy  griefs  and  sorrows, 

Stricken,  smitten,  thee  to  win. 
Rolled  the  waves  and  billows  o'er  me, 
Suffering  God's  wrath  for  sin." 

Gentle  reader,  haste !    Accept  Him ! 

Let  Him  bear  thy  weight  of  woes. 
'Tis  the  Savior  who  is  pleading; 

Let  thy  soul  on  Him  repose. 


Scene  III 


Lo,  again  the  curtain  rises, 

And  the  last  scene  comes  to  view. 

'Tis  a  smiling,  fair  creation, 

For  the  heaven  and  earth  are  new. 


45 


Passed  the  first  earth,  gone  forever, 
And  the  heavens  away  have  rolled. 

No  more  sea  whose  troubled  waters 
Wrought  such  misery  untold. 

God  Himself  has  dried  all  tear-drops. 

Neither  death  nor  pain  may  stay. 
Sorrow,  crying,  gone  forever — 

Former  things  have  passed  away. 

Passed  the  devil's  mighty  shipwreck, 
Buried  in  Time's  troubled  sea. 

Fair  Eternity's  before  us — 
Christ  now  reigns  eternally. 

Reader,  may  God's  love  and  mercy 
Burn  these  scenes  upon  thy  heart ; 

Give  thee  eyes  of  faith  to  view  them, 
Light,  which  doth  His  Word  impart. 

"Choose  ye  this  day,"  hark,  He  calls  thee, 

'Twixt  the  devil's  realm  and  mine. 
Joy  or  sorrow,  light  or  darkness, 
Which  shall  be  forever  thine?" 


46 


41 6 J 27 


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